The damsel donned her kirtle sheen;

The hall was dressed with holly green;

Forth to the wood did merry-men go,

To gather in the misletoe.

Then opened wide the baron's hall

To vassal, tenant, serf and all;

Power laid his rod of rule aside,

And Ceremony doffed his pride.

The heir with roses in his shoes,

That night might village partner chuse;